pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: care


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Learn Their Names

Reading: Luke 16:19-26

Luke 16:23 – “While being tormented in the place of the dead, he looked up and saw Abraham at a distance with Lazarus at his side.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

Reflecting on this passage, John Wesley wrote, “It is no more sinful to be rich than to be poor. But it is dangerous beyond expression.” Wesley lived in England during the start of the industrial revolution. The focus of his ministry was upon the poor – the uneducated, the poorly housed, the miners and factory workers, and others who were being exploited and oppressed by the wealthy. The poverty level was high in the places that Wesley preached, started schools and orphanages, and offered basic but free medical care.

Today’s parable features Lazarus, a poor, sick beggar who is overlooked each day by a rich man. The rich man has more than enough to care for Lazarus but he chooses to not even acknowledge Lazarus’ existence. Perhaps to know him would lead one to care about and for him. As it happens, both die. Lazarus goes to heaven and the rich man goes to hell. In verse 23 we read, “While being tormented in the place of the dead, he looked up and saw Abraham at a distance with Lazarus at his side.” By Abraham’s side, Lazarus has good things. The rich man is tormented in hell. It is only then that the rich man sees and acknowledges Lazarus – but only because he wants something from him. Alas, says Abraham, fates are now fixed. Judgment has come. There is no going from heaven to hell or vice versa.

Poverty continues to be a reality for many people today. Most of us as individuals and certainly we as a nation have more than enough to care well for the Lazarus’ of our day. God’s will and way called for the rich man to care for Lazarus just as God calls out to us today. To be the hands and feet of Jesus requires that we engage those living in poverty, with illness, and in need. This begins with knowing their names. May we learn their names.

Prayer: Lord God, when our relationships with the least of these gets personal, it gets so much more real. So guide us, O Lord, to invest in the lives of those with needs that we can meet. Open our hearts to compassion and love and care. Use us to minister in your name. Amen.


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Take Hold of True Life

Reading: 1st Timothy 6:17-19

1st Timothy 6:17-18 – “Tell people who are rich… to do good, to be rich in the good things they do, to be generous, and to share with others.”

Photo credit: Shane

Continuing in 1st Timothy 6 today, Paul instructs Timothy on how to minister to those Christians who do have wealth, power, status… There were and are people that God has blessed with gifts and talents and legacies that has and have allowed them to be rich in the things of this world. Paul first addresses the dangers of this place in life. One can easily become prideful and arrogant. This often leads to isolating oneself from those who are seen as “less than.” From this place of heart and mind one can place their hope in their worldly riches instead of in God. Some falsely think, “Who needs God when I have all of this?”

Paul’s instruction to Timothy is this: “Tell people who are rich… to do good, to be rich in the good things they do, to be generous, and to share with others.” To do good and to be rich in good works is to engage the world around you. This counters the choices to isolate and to look down on those without wealth, power, status… To do good for others draws us into relationship and here we find our commonality, which leads to unity. To be generous and to share what we have lifts up those without and it grows one’s compassion and empathy, deepening one’s desire to practice generosity. To do good and to be generous draws us closer to God and to one another.

In verse 19 Paul states that these actions lay a “good foundation for the future.” This foundation is an ever-growing compassion and love for neighbor and a continual growth in one’s relationship with God. Living out our faith in these ways allows us to “take hold of what is truly life.” This is loving God and neighbor with all that we have and are. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, lead us to be people of love and compassion. Guide us to people and places that need to experience these things. Open our hearts and hands to serve you through serving those in need. In these ways, use us to draw others closer to you. Amen.


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God at Work

Reading: Jeremiah 4:11-12 and 22-28

Jeremiah 4:22 – “My people are foolish. They don’t even know me!… they are skilled at doing wrong, inept at doing good.”

Through the prophet Jeremiah, God tells Judah that “a blistering wind” is coming from the north. God is speaking of the Babylonians – a wind that will not winnow the wheat or cleanse their sins, but one that will bring devestation to the land. This coming empire will fall heavily upon Judah and Jerusalem, taking the city in 586 BCE. In verse 12, God pronounces this sentence upon Judah.

Jumping to verses 22-28 the conversation begins with God, shifts to Jeremiah, and then goes back to God. In verse 22 God says, “My people are foolish. They don’t even know me!… they are skilled at doing wrong, inept at doing good.” God’s people have wandered far away from God, for a long time. This is a sad indictment. It may be tempting this was or is a “then” problem, as in “back then things were awful.” When one looks at the homelessness and poverty on our reservations and in our cities, when one sees the division in our society, when one sees the oppression and mistreatment of vulnerable populations, one could argue that the people of God are still inept at doing good. After all, we live in a “Christian” nation.

In verses 23-26 Jeremiah shares his observations of the devestation. The earth itself shakes, the birds have fled, the cities lie in ruins. While it feels like there is little hope in what the prophet sees, God is still present. In verse 27 God declares that the devestation will not be complete. There will be grieving and darkness, yes. But God will remain at work.

The same is true today. At times we can feel helpless and hopeless. At times it feels like we are near the end. But if one pushes past the headlines and sound bites, there is good being done in the name of Christ: people being fed and clothed, grievers being comforted, widows being cared for. God is at work. There is still hope for God’s people and for our world.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your consistent walk with us. Thank you for loving us always in spite of who and what we are at times. And thank you for moving us out into the world, into places of hurt and grief and need, being your light and love in the world. Lord, continue to use us, your people, to shine your light and love into the world. Amen.


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Mighty King

Reading: 1st Peter 5:6-11

1st Peter 5:10 – “The God of all graces, the one who called you into eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will himself restore, empower, strengthen, and establish you.”

In this world, Satan seeks to steal our faith, to destroy our love of God and neighbor, to separate us from the peace, the contentment, the joy that we find in Christ. The evil one uses many tricks, traps, snares, lies, and half-truths to lead us into sin. In 1st Peter 5, Peter offers some thoughts on how to combat these attacks of the devil.

First, Peter encourages us to humble ourselves under God’s power. This means submitting our will to God’s will and surrendering having our way to living by God’s ways. Second, Peter invites us to throw our anxieties up on God, as well as our doubts, fears, worries… We can do so because God cares for us and wants to help us, bringing relief, assurance, confidence, and presence, easing our negative thoughts.

Peter calls us to be alert and clear-headed. The devil is always on the “prowl,” ever seeking to “devour” us with our own sin. We are encouraged to “resist him, standing firm in the faith.” We can do so with the God of love and power on our side. Yes, Peter acknowledges, we may suffer for a time or even for a season, but, “The God of all graces, the one who called you into eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will himself restore, empower, strengthen, and establish you.”

Prayer: Lord God, as we seek to walk faithfully with you, we face so many challenges, so many tests. The voices of this world are so loud and so convincing, so tempting. As darkness rises or even begins to creep into our hearts, shine your light into our hearts, guide our steps, protect our hearts. Thank you, O mighty king. Amen.


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Praise – Our Response

Reading: Psalm 147:1-11

Psalm 147:11 – “The Lord treasures the people who honor him, the people who wait for his faithful love.”

Psalm 147 is a song of praise for God’s grace, care, sustenance, and love. In today’s reading, the first six verses focus on praising God for God’s gracious care for those in need. In verses 7-11 the praise shifts towards God’s care for all of creation.

Our reading opens with an invitation to sing to the Lord. The psalmist correctly identified why: it is good to do so and it brings pleasure – to God and to our spirits. The focus then shifts to God’s care for the people’s needs. It is post-exile. God is rebuilding Jerusalem and is bringing the exiles home. God heals their wounds, both physical and emotional/spiritual. This care and attention is just as careful and complete as God’s counting and naming all of the stars. So great and strong is God’s love and care, it cannot be truly grasped.

Verse 7 again invites us to praise God. Continuing we again receive why: for the rains and for the green grass that care for creation itself. God’s love extends to all of creation. There is no one excluded; there is no favoritism. Strength or speed (or anything else humankind may value) are not favored. No, God’s favor goes to those who walk with the Lord, to those who honor God by trusting in God’s faithful and steadfast love and care.

So here is our question: How will we praise God today for the love and care that we receive? What words – spoken, sung, prayed – will praise God today? What acts of heart and hands will honor the Lord today?

Prayer: Lord God, mighty are you and great is your love and care for us! From the smallest need to the greatest suffering, you are present to us and to our world. This day we ask that you would use us to minister to others, offering love and care in your name. Amen.


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A Good, Good Plan

Reading: Genesis 1:1, 27-28, 31

Genesis 1:31 – “God saw everything he had made; it was supremely good.”

As we consider and ponder this week’s theme of being restored and made new, we turn back to the beginning of it all. Because God is good, all that was created was good. As the creation process unfolds – water, light, land, plants, animals – God’s goodness can be seen in the order. Each next step dependant and built upon the step before. Turning to verse 27, God creates humanity. Humankind is created in the divine image of God. Connecting the dots, God’s goodness can be seen in humanity. We are born good. We have to be taught hate, prejudice, jealousy, pride…

God blesses the humans and then tasks them with caring for the creation. A good God charging good humans to care for a good creation – the plan as God designed creation. As the sixth ‘day’ of creation draws to a close, we read, “God saw everything he had made; it was supremely good.” In its original state, all of creation was simply good. One element provided for and cared for another, all in a good and healthy balance.

We turn here today because this was and is the vision for our world. One day this will again be the reality as God restored and makes all things new at the second coming of Christ. It is good to remember the plan of God, to know both the promise and the hope that we find in our good, good God. May this plan and vision ever guide our way.

Prayer: Lord God, your goodness is revealed to us in so many ways, but especially in creation. In the order and beauty and goodness of creation we see your plan for our lives. Lead and guide us to live into who and what you created us to be. Use us to begin the restoration process. Amen.


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Love and Care, Provision and Protection

Reading: Numbers 11:16-34

Numbers 11:29b – “If only all the Lord’s people were prophets with the Lord placing his Spirit on them!”

After hearing the complaints and grumblings, God first deals with Moses. In response to Moses feeling overwhelmed, God has him call 70 elders and God places some of the Spirit that is upon Moses on these men. They will help Moses bear the burden of leadership. God also allows the Spirit to fall upon two who were called but weren’t at the tent of meeting. Joshua asks Moses about stopping these men from prophesying. Moses, instead of being jealous, is generous. His reply to Joshua: “If only all the Lord’s people were prophets with the Lord placing his Spirit on them!” Yes indeed! Imagine if all of God’s people were filled with the Holy Spirit!

God next turns to the peoples’ complaints and grumblings. God addresses their physical grumbling first. God, through Moses, invites the people to make themselves holy – because it is about to rain down quail. Moses does question this promise of God at first. He cannot wrap his mind around what God is promising. Some of the time we can struggle with this too. It is God’s turn to be generous. With great grace God simply asks Moses, “Is the Lord’s power too weak?” Well, no. Not ever. Reminded of who and what God is, Moses shared the promise with the people.

God also reminds the people of who and what God is. They don’t just receive quail like they received manna. It is not just enough for the day ahead. It is quail upon quail upon quail upon… This is God’s way of demonstrating God’s power and strength. Addressing their spiritual grumbling next, God deals with those who questioned God and God’s plans. Those called ‘riffraff’ were buried that day. This too is part of God’s love and care for God’s people. Provision and protection are part of loving and caring for the family of God.

Prayer: Lord God, it is important to remember from time to time all of who and what you are. Thank you, God, for being a loving God, first and foremost. Thank you for being a God who cares for and provides for us. And, also God, thank you for being a God who protects us, sometimes even from ourselves or those who draw us away from our faith and trust in you. Amen.


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Almost Ready

Reading: Numbers 11:1-15

Numbers 11:10b – “The Lord was outraged, and Moses was upset.”

Have you ever been around a complainer? Even on the best of days they find something to grumble about. Now, imagine being around (and trying to lead!) a group of about a million complainers. Welcome to Moses’ reality as he led the Israelites in the wilderness.

Our passage begins with the people complaining intensely. This angers God and fire falls from heaven, burning the “edges of camp.” This is like a warning shot. Moses prays for the people and God’s anger subsides. Next the “riffraff” crave meat and they apparently stir up the whole camp. The people long for the food they had in Egypt. Now all they eat is manna, God’s gift from heaven. Soon there is complaining at all of their tents. Everyone longs for meat.

As Moses (and God) hear this crying out, “The Lord was outraged, and Moses was upset.” But Moses does not pray for the people now. Moses is done. We’re familiar with how Moses feels. We’ve all avoided complainers. Moses questions why God is treating him this way. He questions his ability to bear the “burden” of leading these people. Moses even reminds God that God is really the parent of these people. At his wits’ end, Moses tells God, “If you’re going to treat me like this, just kill me.”

God has Moses close to where Moses needs to be. He is bearing the end of self. Moses is almost ready once again to fully depend on God. God will respond to Moses’ pleas and to the peoples’ complaining, bringing provision, love, and care.

Prayer: Lord God, we feel for Moses and we feel for you. Getting honest, though, we must admit that we too complain and grumble. At times we must try you. Lord, build up in us the ability to encourage those who complain. And, Lord, build up in us our gratitude for you and for your provision, love, and care. From this place of gratefulness, we can truly thank you for who and what you are, O great God of love and care. Amen.


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More Then Enough

Reading: 2nd Kings 2:38-44

2nd Kings 4:43c – “This is what the Lord says, ‘Eat and there will be leftovers.'”

Today we read about God again being faithful, about God again keeping a promise. These two feeding miracles demonstrate God at work in partnership with a faithful believer. As we consider our big prayers and our God opportunities this week, may we trust in this same God who loves and cares for us.

A severe famine has struck the land. In our story Elisha returns to Gilgal, one of three centers where prophets gathered. As the leading prophet in Israel, he also oversaw the centers at Bethel and Jericho. Elisha gives instructions to make stew. Another prophet gathers what he can find, which includes some inedible gourds. In response and in alignment with God’s nudge to feed these prophets, Elisha calls for flour to be added, miraculously making the stew edible.

At this point a man arrives with some bread and grain, likely a first fruits or thank offering. Instead of keeping this for himself, Elisha is moved to use this gift to feed his fellow prophets. The giver questions how this meager offering could feed 100 men. Elisha shares the “how” with him, saying, “This is what the Lord says, ‘Eat and there will be leftovers.'” God has moved Elisha to share his bread. God will see that there is more than enough. Healthy stew is augmented by bread, sent from God.

Over the next few days may we be sensitive to the ways that God nudges us. It might be to share food or it might be to share some other resource. Instead of being selfish or keeping it “for a rainy day” or worrying about our own needs, may we trust the nudge from our God of more than enough.

Prayer: Lord God, open our hearts to be responsive to and generous with that person that you place in our lives. Break our tendencies to hold onto and to store up and up and up. Bend our heart towards your heart of abundant generosity. Use us to be your love and care. Amen.


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He Will Be There

Reading: Matthew 14:22-33

Matthew 14:25 – “Very early in the morning he came to his disciples, walking on the lake.”

Our passage begins with “Right then…” This sudden shift follows and is connected to what has just happened. Chapter 14 begins with the death of John the Baptist. Jesus hears the story from John’s disciples. Jesus tries to find solitude but the crowd follows. He heals the sick. As evening nears, filled with compassion, Jesus feeds 5,000 men plus women and children from two fish and five loaves. It is right then that Jesus sends the disciples across the lake. He dismisses the crowd and finally finds some alone time with God, time to grieve for John. This pattern is typical for Jesus and is our call too: care for others before self, but still take time to care for self. One simply cannot pour into others from a place of exhaustion and emptiness.

In verse 25 we read, “Very early in the morning he came to his disciples, walking on the lake.” Seeing him, the disciples are terrified. Yes, the Old Testament speaks of God making “a way in the sea” (Isaiah 43:16,) but this has never been done by a human. Of course they think Jesus is a ghost. Quickly he reassures them, offering encouragement, identifying himself. Peter asks for proof: “If it is you, order me to come to you on the water.” Jesus says, “Come,” and Peter begins to walk on the water. When have you observed someone doing something amazing, been encouraged to join them, and started doing what they’re doing? Although likely not walking on water, when willing we can do what we thought beyond ourselves when encouraged to believe that we can.

Unfortunately Peter gets distracted and sinks back to the base line. Fear overtakes his faith. So too is it with us. Our human weaknesses impact our faith. Just as Jesus was there for Peter, he will be there for us too, reaching out a hand, helping us back to our place of comfort, calming our storms. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, when and where will you call us out of the boat today? How will you move us beyond where we think we can go? Lord, when you do, make us ready and willing. Trusting in you, guide us to step forward. Amen.